William Stanhope will compete for a spot in the final today at the 2016 World Rowing Junior Championships in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. (Photos: File)

Bahamian rower William Stanhope yesterday advanced through to the semifinal round of the junior men's single scull division at the 2016 World Rowing Junior Championships in The Netherlands. Stanhope finished fifth in the fourth quarterfinal in 7:59.210. Germany finished first in the race in 7:37.86, followed by Belgium in 7:40.01 and The Netherlands in 7:49.03.

Brazil recorded the top ranked time in the quarterfinals. They stopped the clock in 7:27.76 to win quarter final No.1.

Today Stanhope will take on some of the world's best junior rowers for a shot at the finals. He will be racing out of lane No. 2 in the second of three semifinal races.

Other countries in the heat include New Zealand, Poland, Luxembourg, Georgia, and Uzbekistan.

Stanhope earned a spot in yesterday's qualifier after putting out a strong effort in the repechage round on Wednesday. After finishing fifth in the heat prior, he bounced back to finish first in the race with a time of 7:24.62.

Stanhope, alongside Lex Fountain represented The Bahamas for the first time ever in the sport of rowing at the Junior Championships last year in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. The two-man team managed an 18th overall finish at the championships.

Both Stanhope and Fountain train locally with the Nassau Rowing Club. Prior to this event, the club has also fielded teams at the Miami International Regatta and the Florida Masters Regatta.

William Stanhope

The Nassau Rowing Club is a not-for-profit organization, and was established on August 10, 2012 with the aim of developing the premier competitive rowing program in The Bahamas for rowers of all experience, age and fitness levels.

For more information, contact the Nassau Rowing Club at NassauRowingClub@gmail.com, or via Facebook at Facebook.com/NassauRowingClub.

The club's sponsors and partners include Holowesko Pyfrom Fletcher, Counsel & Attorneys-at-Law; Bahamas Medical Center; John Bull; Asa H. Pritchard Ltd.; Super Value; Lennox Paton Corporate Services Ltd.; Solomon's Fresh Markets; Odyssey Aviation; W.E. Services, Powerboat Adventures; Higgs & Kelly, Counsel & Attorneys-at-Law; PCL Imports; Cole Insurance; SunTee EmbroidMe; SMG Construction & Millwork and Disston Realty.

Randy Smith, Guardian Sports Reporter

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